Monthly Archives: May 2013

If you need some exercise you can just go outside and walk around, go for a jog or cruise over to the gym. If your dog needs some exercise he has to depend on you. If you're not fulfilling your dog's exercising needs this can lead to not only physical problems but mental problems as well.

You can't just let your dog outside in the yard and expect he'll exercise himself. Unless your dog has another doggy friend to play with he'll just end up bored out there. Dogs are active by nature and many of them were genetically bred to be active. By denying your dog what he was genetically programed to do you could leave him very frustrated.

A retriever loves any type of fetching or swimming.

A hunter loves to chase and explore.

A sled dog loves to pull anything and everything.

A herding dog loves chasing and catching.

Not fulfilling your dog’s exercising requirements will affect their physical and mental behavior. It could end up being more grief for you if you don’t get out there and stimulate their mind. Of course, every dog is different; a smaller dog such as a toy or companion dog could be satisfied with just a short walk or play in the house. Larger dogs could need as much as a long, vigorous walk or jog, or long play session outside. So, know what you’re getting yourself into when you choose your dog.

Physical

Heart problems

Decreased life span

Obesity

Obesity can lead to a large list of problems. Obesity is not only a problem in the United States with people, dogs are suffering as well. According to Healthypetu.com 20-30 percent of all dogs seen by a veterinarian in the United States are considered overweight, with many clinically obese.

Obesity causes a decrease in speed and stamina, arthritic problems with joints, an increased risk of torn ligaments, and back problems, just to name a few. Obesity can also make your dog have a difficult time dealing with the heat. Owning a dog that suffers from obesity can end up costing you a lot more than just taking your dog out for some exercise.

Mental

Poor socialization skills

Boredom

Hyperactivity, irritability and aggression

If your dog's acting up and you don’t know why, it very well could be a lack of exercise. A dog that is not exercised properly does not receive enough mental stimulation. A dog needs a change of scenery, sounds, and smells. A dog needs to experience scents of other dogs, people and animals; this will help a dog to develop socialization skills.

If a dog becomes bored because of his lack of exercise it can cause big problems on the home front. Boredom can lead to over excitement, fear, or aggression when seeing new dogs or people. A bored dog can result to destructiveness, excessive barking, and even biting. A dog that has too much energy to spare could have more time for chewing your things or even on their own feet. A bored dog will chase other pets inside and jump on things or people.

Enough exercise means a calmer and quieter dog, which puts less stress on you and your dog. Just remember at the end of the day, a tired dog is a happy dog!

The little puppy with the strong will to live was found lying dehydrated on the dashboard of a car in a Kansas City tow lot. Kia, a now 13 week old healthy puppy will be featured on the Rachael Ray Show, Friday, April 17.

“We weren't sure what kind of car it was so we just named her Kia,” Tori Fugate, at KC Pet Project said. KC Pet Project took Kia in after a Kansas City tow lot employee discovered little Kia on the dashboard of a car.

“We were blessed with this cuckoo weather because any hotter and Kia might not have survived," Fugate said. The car was locked and had been in the tow lot since April 8. When the car was broken into a emaciated three pound Terrier/schnauzer mix was pulled from the messy car.

“The car was in bad shape, it was really disgusting,” Fugate said. Kia was in the car for a little over a month surviving off of trash in the car. Fugate isn't quite sure if Kia's owners knew she was in the car but they might have had no idea.

“The humane society is dealing with the owners, my main objective is to get Kia a good home,” Fugate said.

Kia is now located at KC Pet Project in Kansas City and is doing a lot better. She has grown from three pounds to over five pounds and is learning commands such as sit and lay down. Kia was a little shy when she first came in but has sense become more socialized. “She's really coming out of her shell,” Fugate said.

Make sure to watch Kia, the tow lot pup, on Rachael Ray Show, Friday, May 17 to hear the story of the little pup discovered on a dashboard.

BOGO Bowl is so proud to be able to support the work of group like the KC Pet Project who make such an impact on the lives of animals. With your support, we want to ensure happy endings like this one on a daily basis. You can learn more about the KC Pet Project here.